Surname Calman - Meaning and Origin
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Calman: What does the surname Calman mean?
The surname Calman is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, deriving from the Yiddish given name "Kalman." The name Kalman is derived from the Hebrew name "Koloman," itself a variant of "Solomon," which translates to "peace." Therefore, the last name Calman can be loosely interpreted as "descendant of the peaceful one." Over time, the name Koloman evolved into Kalman, retaining its original Hebrew connotation. It is worth noting that the frequency of this surname is relatively less compared to other Jewish surnames. The surname is mainly found in western countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, among the Jewish communities therein. Like many Jewish surnames, it is a patronymic name, which means its origins lie in the name of a male ancestor. Remember that surnames can often change over centuries, evolving in spelling and meaning due to migration and the changing way languages are spoken and written.
Order DNA origin analysisCalman: Where does the name Calman come from?
The surname Calman is of English origin, derived from Old English pre 7th Century personal names such as "Ceolmund", "Ceolman", or "Cuthman", where the first element may be either "ceol", meaning ship, or "cuth", knowledge. The second element in all these names is "man", which translates as friend or protector. Hence, the name could mean "friend of a ship" or "knowledgeable friend". Its variations include Calmon, Colman, and Culman. It has also been adopted by Ashkenazi Jews, likely to imitate German or Polish surnames.
As of today, it is not common in any particular region, but it can be found sporadically across the globe wherever there are English or Jewish descendants. It could be slightly denser in England, where it originated, and in the United States, due to immigration over the centuries. Famous individuals with this surname include Claudia Winkleman (nee Calman), a British television presenter, and her father, Barry Norman (born Alan Calman), a film critic.
Variations of the surname Calman
The surname Calman has multiple variants, resulting from geographical locations and distinct languages. Variants include Kalman, Calmann, and Kallman, which are predominantly used in the German and Scandinavian regions. Anglo-Saxon versions such as Callman or Coalman may also be encountered.
Misspellings can occur due to varying dialects and language evolution, resulting in unique forms such as Kahlman, Cahlman, Kolman, Collman, or even variants with missing letters like Calma or Kalma. Calmar and Kalmar may also be related, though these are typically surnames from Eastern European regions and Scandinavia.
There are surnames like Coleman and Colemane which are not direct variants but may have similar origins. The surname Cohlman, from Jewish Ashkenazi tradition, may have a shared root with Calman, though the two surnames have developed independently.
Surnames related to occupations might have developed independently but coincide with Calman in modern usage, such as Coalman, signaling a coal vendor.
It's important to remember that surname origins can be complex, with many reflecting a mixture of cultural, geographical, historical, and even professional influences. Research into each unique surname can help to clarify their precise origins.
Famous people with the name Calman
- Susan Calman: A well-known Scottish comedian and broadcaster. She has appeared in several TV shows and radio programs in the UK, including "The News Quiz" and "QI".
- Claudia Calman: An English writer and artist known for her comical works.
- Roy Calman: An Australian journalist, author, and editor from the mid-20th century.
- Claire Calman: A British author who has written numerous novels, including "Love is a Four Letter Word".
- Kevin Calman: A New Zealand-based academic. He serves as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal at The University of Auckland. It should be noted that the last name 'Calman' is not commonly found among popular figures globally. The majority of people who carry this name are significant within their respective fields but are not necessarily globally famous figures in entertainment, sports, or other fields known for wide recognition.